The King Of African Hip-Hop

Hip-hop icon Kwesta talks to GQ about staying original and taking his sound to the world

- Ndu Donsa

IT’S BEEN A FEW WEEKS since the artist Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi – who went from humble beginnings in Katlehong to making music with international superstars – became a seven-times platinum best-seller. His originality has allowed him to shape a lane in music that few could ever dream of. In this exclusive, KWESTA shares his views on culture and identity, leaving a legacy and why Katlehong forms the blueprint for everything he touches.

GQ: How does your music celebrate being South African?

KWESTA: My music comes from the fact that I grew up here. All my stories are South African and people can understand that. I mention where I’m from all the time and celebrate it without fear.

GQ: Is that why Katlehong always makes it into your raps?

KWESTA: I want people to know that I come from a beautiful place and that I don’t come from complete hopelessness. That’s why I am so fearless, because K1 raised me and the world must come see this beautiful place.

GQ: How would you define a remixed culture?

KWESTA: I would use the township as a reference, because that’s what I really know and am comfortable with. You see, it was never designed for any sort of greatness – its purpose was to keep a people segregated from what is great. But now we are communicating that the hood is actually better and you can make a mark. To me this is the remix, because the original said you are useless and you don’t belong in society, and now we’re saying you can be Sandton and be hood.

GQ: Is this the reason tracks like ‘Spirit’ and ‘Ngud’’ became so successful?